Chapter 68: Setting the Trap

Dante called an emergency war council.

Because if Gabriel Santos was still alive—

Then this wasn't just about Bella.

It was about power.

Gabriel had been an Alpha before his downfall.

And if he had somehow survived…

That meant he wasn't alone.

"We assume the worst," Dante said, his voice cold, absolute.

"We assume he's been building his forces. That he has allies. That he's been waiting for the perfect moment to strike."

Chase nodded grimly. "And that moment is now."

Bella exhaled slowly.

Because this was it.

The moment she stopped running from her past.

The moment she became the hunter instead of the hunted.

"We need to force him out of hiding," she said, lifting her chin.

"We need to make him move first."

Dante's gaze flickered to her, sharp.

"How?"

Bella's lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile.

"We make him believe he's already won."

Sage raised a brow. "You want to bait him?"

"Yes," Bella said simply.

"I let him think I'm vulnerable. That I don't know he's coming. That I'm just waiting to be taken."

Dante growled lowly, his entire body tensing.

"Over my dead fucking body."

Bella turned to him, stepping closer, her golden eyes locked onto his.

"You trust me?" she murmured.

Dante's breath hitched.

"You know I do."

"Then let me do this."

Dante's fingers twitched at his sides.

Because he hated it.

Hated the idea of using her as bait.

But he also knew Bella wasn't fragile.

She wasn't weak.

She was his Luna.

And if she wanted to fight—

Then he would fight beside her.

"Fine." His voice was gravel and smoke.

"But if he touches you—"

Bella's smirk widened.

"He won't get the chance."

Because this time?

She wasn't going to be Gabriel's victim.

She was going to be his executioner.